Beijing lantern fair attracts visitors

As the name suggests, lanterns form an essential part of the Lantern Festival. This year, they were accompanied by swirling snow, in Beijing's historical Qianmen Street, in the city center. The traditional commercial street was offering its first show after reopening last year.

Sunday evening's lantern fair began with children's voices calling for the lighting of the lamps. The entire street was then ignited into a festive atmosphere.

The lanterns and firework show attracted many visitors.

People visit a Lantern Festival carnival in Beijing, capital of China, on  Feb. 27, 2010. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)